From the age of 12, I collected baseball cards because I was a baseball fan. I did not collect and trade cards for any other reason. At age 80, my reason remains the same. My most poignant memory at that age involved a quick stop at Floyd Nielsen’s local drug store on Main Street on … Continue reading “How much $$$ do you want for your baseball cards?”
Category: Family and Grandkids
Parents, kids, and grandkids
A Family’s Defining Moment on a Sunday in 1971
“An Oak tree is a daily reminder that great things often have small beginnings.” Matshona Dhliwayo When the parents were away. the kids were angels. We wouldn’t go very far. We knew from experience that travelling with the kids would inevitably be interrupted by disputes and urgent toilet issues. At the minimum, four of the kids … Continue reading A Family’s Defining Moment on a Sunday in 1971
Letter to Unknown Great Grandkids
This letter might seem a bit strange at first but please bear with me. Yes, I am writing to great grandkids who have not yet been born. I have previously written letters to our 14 grandkids in response to their questions... with more letters are yet to come. But the following letter might be reading material … Continue reading Letter to Unknown Great Grandkids
It’s Not Just Racism. It’s Fear of the Unfamiliar.
People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.” Martin Luther King Dear Grandkids: You are living in a wonderful country (U.S.A.) that has been fortunate with countless advantages and cursed with … Continue reading It’s Not Just Racism. It’s Fear of the Unfamiliar.
Job Transitions Equal Family Disruptions
“Thanksgiving 2020 is far better than Thanksgiving 1986!” Tom Kennedy Life is a series of changes: marriage, family, births, deaths, seasons, and jobs. We have no control over most of these changes. Death of a family member or close friend, the transition of spring to summer and fall to winter - they all descend upon … Continue reading Job Transitions Equal Family Disruptions
Celebrating Two Years of braidwoodguy.com
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates It was two years ago when I published my first blog article: https://braidwoodguy.com. I had kept journals for many years prior to that time when it occurred to me that my handwritten documents might be worth saving for my kids and grandkids. I knew that any letters written … Continue reading Celebrating Two Years of braidwoodguy.com
“Grandpa, where were you when President John F. Kennedy was shot?”
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities Dear granddaughter Matilda: You asked about the day that President Kennedy was assassinated. … Continue reading “Grandpa, where were you when President John F. Kennedy was shot?”
“If your world doesn’t allow you to dream, move to one where you can.”
(Billy Idol) Grandson asks: “Why did you choose to move to Denver after living in Illinois your whole life?” Dear Evan: You, along with many of your cousins between the ages of 20 - 26, already know how difficult it is to decide on the right career and job after college. On the one hand, being … Continue reading “If your world doesn’t allow you to dream, move to one where you can.”
What have I learned from grandkids?
Lexi asks, “Grandpa, have you learned anything from the 14 grandkids?” Dear Lexicon: You ask a poignant question, one that I have pondered consciously and subconsciously for the past 25 years. The quick answer is “Yes, I have learned a ton about being a better human being.” My evolution continues as I witness your maturity … Continue reading What have I learned from grandkids?
Get Out of the Country! Broaden and Enrich Your Education!
Matilda asks, “Grandpa, what is your all-time favorite place to travel to?” Dear Matilda: You ask an interesting question, the same question that I had when I was your age. What places do I hope to see someday? The many books that I read growing up sparked images of western pioneers in the plains, forests, … Continue reading Get Out of the Country! Broaden and Enrich Your Education!
Braidwood Beginnings 